4 Quick ways with Blueberries

4_Quick_ways_with..._Blueberries

July / Aug 2015

From Chris Halpin

Blueberries are so much more than just delicious – they are one of the world’s “super foods.” Good news for all of us! We’ve all had delicious baked goods with blueberries taking centre stage, but blueberries are way more versatile than that!

This is a great recipe that can be prepped ahead of time and finished when you’re ready to eat. Salt and sear a 3-4 lb. flank steak on a hot grill – you’re not cooking it, you’re just searing it. When the sear is complete, remove from the heat and place on a wire rack on a baking tray to cool. In a bowl put 6 juniper berries, crushed and finely chopped, 1 shallot, finely chopped, 1 T. black pepper, juice of 1 lemon and ١/٤ c. canola oil, and mix well. To this, add 1 c. fresh blueberries and, with a potato masher, crush the berries but don’t over-crush them – they should still be recognizable. Pat this mixture onto the top of the steak and let stand for at least one hour before cooking or as much as a day in advance and refrigerate it. If you are going to refrigerate the steak, don’t wrap it. It may look a little dry the next day, but the end result is so good. When ready to finish the steak, either bake it in a 350°F. oven or in a covered medium-hot grill on the top rack for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on how you like your beef done. Remove from the heat and sprinkle coarse salt overtop and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slicing tip – the sharper the slicing angle, the easier it is to get thin slices, and always cut across the grain. Serves 4 to 6.

4. Blueberry Pimm’s and 7

A summer drink, if ever there was one. Pimm’s Cup or Pimm’s and 7, as some say, is the Brit’s version of sangria; this is my version. Thinly slice 1 lemon and 1 orange and place into a pitcher with 1 c. fresh blueberries, 8 mint leaves, 1 c. Pimm’s No.1 and gently muddle. Add 4 handfuls of ice and fill with 7-Up. Gently stir and serve. If you’re making one jug, you should make a second, as this drink tends to slide down fast. Serves 1 to 8.